Monthly Archives: June 2016

What’s a strata scheme?
A strata scheme is a building or collection of buildings that has been divided into ‘lots’. Lots can be individual units/apartments, townhouses or houses. When a person buys a lot, they own the individual lot and also share the ownership of common property with other lot owners. Common property generally includes things like gardens, external walls, roofs, driveways and stairwells.

Strata living can provide a friendly community-style environment but differs from living in a freestanding house. Some activities may be more restricted – for example, where you can park your car or how you can renovate your lot. It is important for people to be aware of the responsibilities and obligations.

Community schemes
The property you are looking at may actually be within a community scheme. Generally, community schemes support a variety of different land uses (houses, apartments, gym, shops, golf course) within the one complex. Community schemes operate in much the same way as strata schemes, having lot owners, common property, owners corporations and by-laws.

What would I actually own in a strata scheme?
One major difference between owning a house and a unit in a strata scheme (or ‘lot’) is that the external walls, the floor and roof do not usually belong to the lot owner. These areas are usually common property, which means that the maintenance and repair of these parts of the building are the responsibility of the owners corporation. As it is common property, the lot owner cannot alter or renovate these areas without permission from the owners corporation. Lot owners may need permission to do things such as install services (eg. cable television, phone or internet), knock down walls or replace locks on doors or windows.

Before purchasing a strata lot, the prospective buyer should be clear on the common property boundaries. For a definitive answer on the common property, refer to the strata plan for your individual strata scheme from Land and Property Information NSW. The strata plan shows the layout of the strata scheme and the common property details. Pay close attention to items such as sliding doors leading to balconies, garage doors and balcony railings, as strata plans may differ on whether these are common property. You can also obtain expert advice if you are uncertain about the common property boundaries.
In most strata schemes, the lot owner owns the inside of the unit but not the main structure of the building. Usually the four main walls, the ceiling, roof and the floor are common property. The internal walls within the lot (e.g. the wall between the kitchen and lounge room), floor coverings such as carpet and fixtures such as baths, toilet bowls and bench tops are all the property of the lot owner. Effectively, a lot owner generally owns the ‘airspace’ (and anything included in the airspace) inside the boundary walls, floor and ceiling of the lot.

Airspace can also extend to balconies and courtyards. You should get proper advice about ownership of such things as a tree in the courtyard or the responsibility to maintain a pergola covering a balcony or courtyard. They could be in your airspace and, therefore, would be maintained at your cost. You should also check whether things like car spaces or gardens are part of your lot. If they are, you will be responsible for their maintenance.

Article Provided by NSW Fair Trading

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/

No matter how excited you are to move into your new place, your first few weeks will probably feel foreign and probably a little weird. Celebrating a birthday, planting a garden, or decorating for the holidays will help that “new-house feeling” fade, but waiting for a milestone requires a little too much patience. Here’s how you can feel settled and happy — even while you’re living among boxes.

1. Start where your daily habits do
Make it easy to get into your daily habits and start living well from the day you move in. Most people start unpacking the common spaces first, but try to focus efforts on your closet and bathroom too. Monday’s are hard enough without having to search for your toothbrush or favourite shirt.

2. Continue your regular routine
Whether it’s putting things in the same places or containers, taking your morning walk, or tucking the kids in with a favourite bedtime story, try to keep as many things in (or back in) the same routine as possible. Your routine shouldn’t have to change just because your location does.

3. Let the kids help out
If you’re moving with kids, pack all their important belongings together and allow them to help unpack and organise their new room. They can spend the afternoon unpacking all their toys and organising their collections. This will both help them adjust to the new place, feel ownership and control over the move and most importantly, they’ll be happy. And even if the rest of the house is a mess, that’s all that matters.

4. Get out the art and photos
Art and wall decorations are often the last things to go up, and also the easiest way to make your new place feel like home. Of course it makes sense to wait until everything else is unpacked and your new place is organised as you want it. But start by unpacking pieces and frames and lean them against walls, sideboards, and nightstands so I you can still enjoy them until you’ve decided where to install everything.

5. Recreate familiar sounds and sights
Simple things like a familiar clock on the wall or a collection of frames in the same arrangement will create a subtle familiarity to help you feel at home.

6. Unpack all your favourites
For instant coziness, light your favourite candles and play the music you love. If you have a favourite TV show you watch or Netflix go-to’s, make sure to make some time to watch them, read a book or whatever you love to do at home. Pull out all your favourite bedding, including pillows, duvets, sheets, and throws. There is nothing more comforting than sleeping in your old, cozy bed.

7. Home is having a home-cooked meal
To many, home is a homemade meal. Unpack the kitchen so you can cook one of your favourite meals to enjoy, or break in the kitchen stovetop or BBQ with a quality steak and favorite bottle of wine. The heat and the smells will ‘season’ your new place and it’ll smell and feel like home. Even if you’re living among boxes, eating a simple recipe on the floor; it’s worth it.